Rishard Khan
rishard.khan@guardian.co.tt
The mask mandate will no longer be in effect come Sunday, July 17 according to Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh.
Speaking at a virtual press conference on Wednesday, he indicated the legal requirement will be dropped in favour of recommendations by the Ministry of Health which people will voluntarily choose to follow based on their own risk assessment.
Although the framework is yet to be finalised, Deyalsingh said the ministry intends to recommend that four groups of vulnerable people continue wearing masks. These are unvaccinated, immunocompromised and those with comorbidities, the elderly and pregnant women.
He said recommendations will also be made for masks to be worn in certain settings which include geriatric homes, children’s homes, any indoor congregations, public transport, and religious services.
He said final guidance should be provided by next Wednesday.